Easy Come, Easy Go: The Sports Business Hits And Misses In '13

Each year, some sports business concepts are an all-out success, while others fall somewhat short of that. Here are some ideas that were either a hit or miss in '13.

NASCAR had its first race on a dirt track since '70
and saw nearly 20,000 fans in attendance

HIT: DIRT ROAD ANTHEM
NASCAR makes its first trip to a dirt track since ’70 with a Camping World Truck Series race at Eldora Speedway, and a packed house of around 20,000 fans get quite a show. With the trucks sliding around the track, the event easily lives up to the hype of one of the most anticipated races of the season. While the track is not on the ’14 schedule, NASCAR officials have strongly indicated they intend to return in the future.

Manning (l) got the better of Flacco in the game
for which they were the subject of posters

MISS: QUOTH THE RAVEN, NEVERMORE
Broncos fans become upset with the NFL when giant posters of Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco are placed on the side of Sports Authority Field in anticipation of the season-opening Ravens-Broncos game. Broncos officials go out of their way to make sure fans know it was the league, not the team, that approved the signs. However, Peyton Manning has the last laugh, throwing a league-record seven touchdowns in the game.